Curfew times for transport delivering goods and services to supermarkets around the State may be changed to deal with the COVID-19 challenges of supplying freight to the community.
The Freight and Logistics Council has met with Government representatives to identify supply and freight movement challenges impacting the State, with curfews on the times vehicles can deliver to supermarkets one of the issues raised.
Minister for Transport and Planning, Rita Saffioti said that, in 2020, changes were approved under the State of Emergency to allow the supply of essential goods and services to supermarkets 24/7, however, it was understood some Local Governments had not been operating under these rules.
Ms Saffioti said the Western Australian Local Government Association would reiterate this policy to Local Governments, with vehicles able to arrive, load and unload at supermarkets 24/7.
“We know many Western Australians are concerned about the impact the pandemic is having on freight and supply chains, particularly with what is happening on the East Coast,” she said.
“Ensuring trucks can move and deliver items to shopping centres will assist with the smooth flow of essential products and ensure our supermarkets remain stocked.
“In the meantime, we are examining a range of other measures to ensure we keep trucks and freight running and essential supplies available,” Ms Saffioti said.
